Anti-Semitic vandal jailed but set for release soon

A man who led a night of anti-Semitic destruction has been jailed for his crimes but will be released on parole in a few weeks.

Ten cars were graffitied, two were burned and four buildings were destroyed in a 41-minute attack at midnight on 20 November 2024 in Woollahra, the heart of Australia’s Jewish community.

Mohommed Farhat and Thomas Stojanovski, both 21, were later arrested during a night of terror in the eastern Sydney suburb.

Judge Scott Nash sentenced Farhat to one year and eight months in prison on Tuesday afternoon, with a non-parole period of 10 months.

Due to the time spent in custody, he will be released on parole on December 6.

Farhat took the lead during the anti-Semitic attacks and used her account to call an Uber to get home.

Police used this information during the investigation to uncover who was behind the vandalism, arson and graffiti.

Slurs plastered on cars and buildings included the phrases “fuck Israel” and “PKK is coming” (a reference to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, which has been accused of terrorism).

More than one insult also misspelled the word “f***”

Farhat, who pleaded guilty in September to a series of charges including damaging property, did the majority of the damage.

Stojanovski helped him by lighting a torch or holding a bag containing canisters purchased earlier in the night.

CCTV also showed Farhat buying fuel, a lighter and a box of tissues from a service station before heading to Woollahra.

A Ford Ranger worth more than $80,000 was set on fire with graffiti by two men; The ensuing fire caused the taillights and electrical parts of an adjacent car to melt.

The attack also targeted a “PKK is coming” sign on the side wall of Woollahra Fire Station, two outdoor tables in the courtyard of a nearby restaurant and the walls of two apartment blocks.

The Chiswick restaurant is run by celebrity chef Matt Moran.

Farhat was also ordered to pay compensation totaling $5,324 to five residents whose cars he damaged.

There is no indication in the agreed facts of the case why the two men carried out the attack. But the NSW Supreme Court has previously heard Farhat may have gotten neck and throat tattoos in support of terrorist group Hezbollah.

The vandalism was among a series of anti-Semitic incidents in Sydney, including an attempted arson attack on a synagogue and the targeting of the former home of a prominent Jewish leader.

ASIO, Australia’s national security service, said in August that Iran carried out at least two simultaneous anti-Semitic attacks in Australia.

Stojanovski will remain free on bail while awaiting sentencing on Friday.